- Chapter 88 -
Blood Ties
Krang waited in his latest makeshift lair, a long-abandoned Utrom lab. His patience was rewarded when Viral emerged from the computer.
"Do we have confirmation?" he asked.
"Yes," Viral nodded. "The Neutrino is at O'Neil's school. Our ticket off this rock and back to your people."
"Excellent," Krang grinned. "Keep an eye on her. When the moment is right, we strike."
"Right away. I look forward to seeing that General squirm when he sees who we have."
Kagome was making her way through the school, waiting for April to walk home. As she did, she spotted Tara sitting outside the gym.
"Tara?" she asked, approaching. "What're you doing?"
"Waiting," Tara replied.
Kagome peeked inside the gym, seeing Ximena in the middle of fencing practice. "For Ximena?"
"Yes."
Kagome smiled. "I'm glad to see you're making friends."
Sometime later, Ximena came out, holding her gear. She greeted Kagome politely, only for her expression to fall the minute she laid eyes on Tara.
"Hello, Ximena," Tara greeted politely.
"Kagome, hold this for a second," Ximena began calmly. She handed the kunoichi her rapier, closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and massaged her temples. "Okay." She cleared her throat before letting her calm demeanor drop, getting right in Tara's face. "WILL YOU STOP FOLLOWING ME?!"
Both Kagome and Tara recoiled in shock at the outburst.
"I... apologize," Tara began. "I was simply-"
"You're in all my classes, you follow me home, and somehow you convinced my mom that you're my friend! Stop it!"
"Whoa-whoa-whoa!" Kagome got between them. "Time out! What's going on here?"
"Ever since the day we met, Tara randomly pops in everywhere I go!" Ximena ranted. "Every time I turn around, she's there! Fencing class! At the bike rack! Even when I'm leaving the freaking restroom!" She jabbed her finger into Tara's chest, backing her into the wall. "Why are you like this?! Why won't you LEAVE ME ALONE?!"
"I…"
"Ugh…" Ximena turned around and stormed off. "And I was having a good day."
Once she was gone, Kagome sighed, turning to Tara.
"Tara... come with me, please," she grabbed the Neutrino by the arm, dragging her around the corner. "Listen. I don't know how it works on planet Neutrino, but on Earth, following someone every single little tiny place they go is not okay."
"What if she's attacked?" Tara objected.
"This isn't Dimension X."
Tara tilted her head quizzically. "Then why do you follow Casey Jones and April O'Neil? Is it not to protect them?"
"We're actually traveling together. As friends. You're lurking around out of sight and popping up everywhere she goes, and just creeping her out. And also... waiting outside the bathroom for her? Really?"
Tara rubbed the back of her neck. "...She yelled the last time I went in."
Kagome pinched the bridge of her nose. "You... really have no idea how to socially function, do you?"
"I have been a soldier for as long as I can remember. I know of no other way to be."
Kagome sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Look, just stop stalking Ximena everywhere she goes. If you want to actually be her friend, just talk to her. Ask to hang out. You won't piss her off or get in trouble that way."
"I asked for permission from her parental unit. Was that not the correct way to do this?"
Kagome blinked. "You… asked permission?"
"Yes. I went and spoke with her mother and informed her of my desire to be Ximena's friend. She gave me her blessing."
"She said 'friend,' not 'stalker.' I don't think this is what she meant," Kagome ran a hand through her hair. "You need to learn how to be human, and how to properly act like someone's friend. Otherwise, you stick out like a sore thumb."
"I will try."
Tara then wandered off in the same direction Ximena had gone. Kagome watched her go, mulling over things.
Later, she was in the lair, mulling over things. Karai, Hisako, and Vee were watching her pace, listening to her concerns.
"I'm just worried that this is some weird alien crush, or that Tara's gonna do something irreversible soon. But how do I even address this?"
"I can assure you it's no crush," Hisako said. "She's just like me: socially inept."
"What I don't get is why her mom is okay with her daughter being uncomfortable," said Vee.
"Yeah, that's a bit of a red flag there," Karai deadpanned.
"Maybe I should talk to Xi's mom," Kagome mused. "There are two sides to every story, after all."
"Good idea," Vee agreed. "Seriously, what's she thinking?"
Ximena lived in a small brownstone in the residential district. Her mom was a single mother who worked full-time. Kagome headed up the steps, ringing the doorbell. A few minutes passed before the door was opened by a woman resembling an older Ximena. She smiled at Kagome, looking tired, but kind. From her outfit, it looked like she had just gotten off work.
"Hello, Miss Fermi," Kagome greeted. "My name's Kagome. I'm a friend of Ximena. I'm sorry to bother you, but can I come in? I need to talk to you."
"Of course, of course," Miss Fermi replied. "Come in."
Kagome stepped inside, looking around the place. The home seemed warm and lived in, the walls covered in photos of Miss Fermi with Ximena, along with walls of trophies and awards.
"I'm afraid Ximena's not here at the moment," Miss Fermi told her. "She's at the library studying for an exam in her science class." Her smile was kind as she made some tea. "She wants to be an astrologist, so she never gets lower than a B in that class. I'm so proud of her."
"I'm actually here to talk about something I found out at school today," Kagome sipped her tea. "There's a girl named Tara who's part of my dance club. I kinda... walked in on them arguing, and apparently Tara's been stalking Xi."
Miss Fermi sighed. "Ah yes, Tara. She's a sweet girl if a bit socially inept. Then again, what can you expect from someone with no earthly idea what she's doing?"
"So what happened?"
"Well, Tara came by to introduce herself. She told me she wanted to get to know my daughter, and I suggested that they hang out. Sadly, it seems she mistook my suggestion."
"Yeah, I thought as much."
"I tried to explain to Ximena that Tara means her no harm," Miss Fermi sighed again. "This would have been so much easier with her father here…"
Kagome perked. "Her father?"
"Yes. We separated not long after Ximena was born. It... was for the best, but there are days where I wish he was here."
"If you don't mind me asking, who is her father?"
Miss Fermi was silent. "I'm sorry, but I need to get dinner started. It was lovely talking to you, and I'll be sure to try and have a word with Tara."
"Of course," Kagome stood up. "Thank you for your time."
A few days later, Ximena was walking home from school, entering an alley when she perked, getting the feeling of being watched.
"I know you're following me," she growled. "Come out so I can see you!"
She heard rustling nearby, stepping around the corner before pulling Tara out into the open. Tara blinked before chuckling, trying to play it cool.
"Funny us both passing through this shady back alley at the same exact time, huh? So, um, how have you been?"
"Oh, you know, the usual. Homework, fencing club, dealing with a creepy stalker who I'm sorely tempted to call the cops on. Now, don't take this the wrong way, Tara, but…" Ximena hauled back before slugging her in the nose, the Neutrino falling back on the defensive.
"Ow! Jeez!" Tara rubbed her nose. "What was that for?!"
"Are you kidding me?" Ximena demanded. "You've been stalking me for days, were hiding out in a back alley waiting for me, and you wanna know why I just punched you in the face?!"
"I was just trying to protect-"
"The only thing I need protection from is you! You're not my friend! I don't want you near me! So GO AWAY!"
"I mean you no harm, Ximena. I simply want to-" Tara was cut off when Ximena, at her wit's end, drew her rapier, holding it up under her chin threateningly.
"Stop talking. It's over, " she hissed, deadly calm. "I don't want to see you. I don't want to know you. If you show up anywhere near me again, I will call the cops and get a restraining order on your ass. Now get. Away. From ME."
Tara looked ready to cry but nodded. "As you wish…"
She stepped away, heading off. Ximena sighed.
"Finally... now maybe I can have some peace and quiet." She turned, just in time for a metallic hand to grab her by the face.
As Tara walked away, she perked, hearing the sound of struggling and muffled screams, along with metallic footsteps. She rounded the corner, but they were already gone.
"Oh, no…"
Down in the layer, the Turtles were hanging out and playing video games when Kagome got a call on her T-Phone, which she answered.
"Hello? Oh hi, Tara." She listened for a bit, eyes going wide. "Krang kidnapped Ximena?!" That got their attention as Kagome calmed herself. "Okay... just stay calm. Meet us at TCRI."
"Who's Xee-man-huh?" Mikey asked, utterly mangling the name as Kagome hung up.
"Ximena," Kagome clarified. "One of my classmates. She runs the fencing club. But why the hell would Krang go after her?"
"No clue," Hisako replied. "He doesn't have any mutagen, any equipment, or even any allies outside of Viral. Kidnapping some rando off the street is… very much not In his favor right now."
"Well, we're about to find out," Leo decided.
In the castle of Smada City, the capital of the Neutrino homeworld, Princess Trib watched an ominous broadcast with her parents, King Zenter and Queen Gizzla, and their War Advisor, General Stavros. Krang's face filled the screen, grinning evilly.
"Hello, Neutrinos," Krang greeted. "This is General Krang speaking, your future ruler and true overlord of Dimension X. I come approaching you with a simple trade: open a portal to the coordinates of my Technodrome so I may return to my base and army, and I provide you with the safe return of one of your own."
He stepped aside, gesturing to reveal Ximena, bound hand and foot and gagged with duct tape.
"A human?" Zenter asked, confused.
Stavros was frozen in place. his fists clenched so tightly that they were white. Krang sneered, looking right at the General.
"Half-human," the Utrom general clarified, pulling Ximena's hair up to reveal her ears. They were pointed, though not nearly as long as a full-blood Neutrino. "Isn't that right, General?"
Gizzla perked. "Wait... Stavros, that girl is your...?"
Krang smirked. "His half-breed mongrel daughter. You thought you were so clever, shipping her off to Earth, hiding her among the apes. But now she's mine. And unless you agree to my demands and open that portal within the hour... her life is forfeit."
He cackled loudly at that before the feed was cut.
"That poor girl," Trib lamented.
"We can't let anything happen to her," Gizzla insisted.
"But we can't let Krang back into Dimension X," Zenter turned to the general. "Stavros, what-"
But the general was gone.
Around that time, the Hamato/Lee family was piling out of the Shellraiser and entering TCRI. Much to their surprise, Miss Fermi was there, sobbing quietly as Mortu tried to comfort her. Tara was pacing, pulling at her hair.
"I was supposed to protect her…" she ranted. "I turn my back for two seconds, and she winds up in the hands of the most depraved monster in both our dimensions! How could I let this happen?!"
Her eyes glowed as she tapped into the Link before punching the wall with all her might. The minute they saw her knuckles bleeding and the wall starting to crack, Kagome stepped in.
"Tara!" she cried, approaching. "Stop it!"
Seemingly not hearing her, Tara kept going until she ran forward, catching her arm before she could throw another punch.
"TARA!" Kagome screamed, pulling her from the wall. "I get that you're angry, but that's not helping anybody!"
"Miss Lee is right, Lieutenant," Mortu chimed in. "You will do Miss Ximena no good injured."
"Who's this?" Mikey asked, turning to Miss Fermi, who wiped her eyes and blew her nose.
"My name is Rachel Fermi," she explained. "Ximena's my daughter."
"Okay, first off," Raph began, "what does Krang want with some random Roosevelt High teen?"
Miss Fermi grimaced. "It's because of who her father is… a secret I swore to take to my grave…"
"Her dad?" Mikey questioned.
"Right, you mentioned you were separated, and that it was 'for the best'," Kagome recalled.
Rachel nodded. "He's alive… and he's on his way."
"Just who exactly is her old man?" Vee asked.
As if on cue, a portal opened up. Everyone tensed, only to relax slowly as a man stepped into the room, clad in bright light blue armor. His hair was such a light shade of blue it was almost white, pulled back in a high ponytail reminiscent of a samurai. He had a small goatee, and his eyes were the same shade as his hair. He had a few scars visible and carried himself like a war veteran.
"General Stavros," Mortu greeted. "I see you made it."
"Stavros…" Miss Fermi let out.
Stavros turned to her, a small smile on his face. "Hello, Rachel."
Tara immediately dropped to her hands and knees before Stavros, bowing her head.
"General, forgive me," she lamented. "I failed my mission."
"Rise, Lieutenant," Stavros ordered. "This outcome was inevitable. Right now, we must focus on rescuing my daughter."
"Daughter?" Donnie looked between Stavros and Rachel, the dots connecting. "Then Kagome's friend is a Neutrino?"
"Half-Neutrino," Tara clarified, standing up. "Miss Fermi is human."
"I was kidnapped by Krang when I was nineteen and brought to Dimension X," Miss Fermi explained. "Stavros and his men saved me and gave me refuge in the Neutrino capital until they could arrange transport home. During that time, Stavros and I fell in love... and Ximena was the result."
"I did not want my daughter growing up as just another soldier for the army," Stavros added. "So when Rachel went back to Earth, I had her take Ximena with her, so she could have the chance to be a child."
"When we discovered Krang's presence in New York, the General sent me here to watch over Ximena and protect her," Tara included. "Though I foolishly let my guard down and got captured by the Earth Protection Force. Once you broke me out, I approached Mortu, who helped provide the documents I needed to enroll at Roosevelt High."
"Hold up, hold up," Vee cut in. "Quick question. Does Ximena know about her heritage?"
Rachel shook her head. "We left Dimension X when she was still a baby, and I didn't want her to be targeted because of her 'delusions,' or by unsavory characters who would believe her."
Karai blinked before scowling. "So... let me get this straight. You decided the best move you could make here was to enable Tara's stalking and just keep telling Ximena to grin and bear it and try to be friends? What exactly made so little sense about, I dunno, just freaking telling your daughter what was really going on?!"
Miss Fermi raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about? I told Ximena that Tara had no experience at public school or with social interaction and that while her methods were odd, there was no malice behind them."
"Clearly, it didn't do much to pacify her," Vee deadpanned.
Miss Fermi rubbed the back of her neck. "She has her father's stubbornness."
"If you had just sat Ximena down and talked this out with her for thirty seconds, she would've been willing to be around Tara!" Raph snapped. "Had backup when Krang made his move!"
"What was I supposed to say?" Miss Fermi demanded. "That her father is an alien general and her 'stalker' is actually a bodyguard he sent to protect her after Krang became active? The last time I mentioned aliens, I just barely avoided being institutionalized. And CPS is still breathing down my neck about the whole thing even after it was proven that aliens do exist!"
" ...Yeah, that's a good point. Well made." Raph conceded.
"Okay, back on track," Donnie cut in. "One question remains: why take Ximena in the first place?"
"I might have an idea," Leo piped up. "She's the daughter of Neutrino's top general. One hell of a bargaining chip."
"Bro, that's more like a bargaining enchilada," Mikey chimed in.
"You are correct," Stavros confirmed. "Krang captured my daughter in an effort to get safe passage back to Dimension X to reclaim his forces and technology." His fists clenched, his eyes glowing. "I will never allow that tyrant to have what he wants."
"Well then, guess it's a good thing I brought Midnight," Hisako remarked, the puppy barking in agreement. "Anyone got anything with Ximena's scent?"
"I do," Tara held up Ximena's rapier and fencing mask. "These were all I could find after Krang made his move."
Midnight immediately began sniffing at them.
"She carries a sword?" Stavros asked.
"It's a rapier," Miss Fermi explained. "She's captain of the fencing team. She's close to making it to State competitions."
Stavros smiled. "That's my girl."
Midnight then barked and took off out of the building.
"Follow that dog!" Hisako ordered, the ninjas chasing her out. Stavros went to follow but was stopped by Miss Fermi.
"Bring our daughter home safely."
"I will." Stavros kissed her cheek softly before following the Hamato Clan.
Midnight led them to an old science lab, the Mirage Industries logo faded and crossed out.
"Of course…" Hisako shuddered. "I swear, he's doing this on purpose…"
"Not surprised," Donnie mused. "It's the only place he can get easy access to any leftover tech and mutagen."
"And the mental torment on you is a bonus," Leo added.
"Ximena," Stavros cut in. "Where is my daughter?"
Midnight lowered her nose to the ground, sniffing around. The Turtles put their serious eyes on, weapons at the ready. Stavros and Tara both armed themselves with plasma swords that look like higher-tech versions of the Guardian weapons.
"Be ready, guys," Leo warned.
Midnight led them to a locked room, Leo picked the lock and opened it to reveal Ximena tied to a chair, her back to them.
"Ximena!" Kagome exclaimed.
"Hang on." Donnie hurried forward, grabbing the tape over her mouth and tearing it off in one smooth motion. Ximena let out a pained yelp in response, Donnie wincing. "Sorry... gotta get the hang of that."
"You..." Ximena gasped. "You're one of those turtles. The ones on TV."
"It's okay, Xi. They're friends of mine." Kagome drew her blade. "Hold still."
Ximena cringed and turned away as the blade sliced through the ropes.
"Kagome!" Ximena jumped up, hugging the girl. "Oh my God, you have no idea how insane this evening has been! An alien kidnapped me, only to ransom me to another alien who, get this-"
"Is your father," Stavros cut in.
Ximena froze, then slowly turned to face the Neutrino.
"Yeah… um…" Kagome gave her a sheepish grin. "Surprise?"
Ximena let her go, slowly approaching Stavros. "Then...then it's true… you're... and I..." Her legs looked ready to give out. That was when her eyes fell on Tara.
"Now that the truth is out…" Tara saluted. "Lieutenant Tara, Neutrino Resistance Force. Your father sent me to Earth to protect you."
"You…" Ximena perked. "You were protecting me… and I... Oh God... I am so sorry."
Tara waved a hand, dismissing it. "You have nothing to be sorry for. I acknowledge my conduct left a lot to be desired. I'm... not very good with human interactions, as you can see."
"How about we continue this discussion later and get the hell outta here before Krang shows up?" Raph suggested.
"A bit late for that, you reptilian reprobate."
Everyone perked, spinning around to see Krang standing in the doorway. He rolled his eyes.
"Oh, please. Did you really think I wouldn't see this rescue mission coming?" The evil Utrom scowled. "I can't remember the last time I had a good night's scheme without you miserable mutants butting in and trying to ruin it."
Stavros put himself in front of Ximena. "You will not harm my daughter!"
Leo drew his swords. "It's over, Krang. You're never getting back to the Technodrome. We'll make sure of it."
Krang grinned. "Oh, I think they will. Perhaps the king cares little for some half-breed mongrel, but for his War Advisor…"
"You're gonna have to get through us!" Leo swore.
"Oh no, not me," Krang snapped his fingers. "Viral?"
Several deactivated Krangdroids suddenly powered on, all of them with red eyes. Viral's voice came from all of them, speaking in unison.
"So… shall we get started?"
"...This is my life now, isn't it?" Ximena asked.
"Pretty much," Tara confirmed.
"Take the General alive!" Krang ordered. "Kill the rest!"
A full-on melee ensued, the ninjas and Neutrinos hacking, slashing, and sending Krangdroid limbs flying everywhere. Still, more began to come. Seeing they were getting overwhelmed, Stavros closed his eyes. When he opened them, his eyes were glowing.
"You will not succeed!" he swore, his voice deep and echoing.
Tara did the same, twirling her blades. "This is the end of you!"
"What…" Ximena let out.
"Focus, Ximena!" Hisako ordered. "Close your eyes and reach out!"
"What?! But I can't-!"
"Yes, you can! You're half-Neutrino! Now FOCUS!"
Ximena took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and focused. A moment passed before she felt something welling up in the back of her head. It felt like a million voices reaching out to her, promising her strength and protection. It felt like they were all standing behind a closed door, just waiting for her. Tentatively, she opened the door and felt something inside of her click. Her eyes flew open, glowing the same bright cyan as Tara and Stavros.
"I… belong."
"Whoa…" Mikey gasped, "this is some Avatar shit going on here!"
"Focus, Mikey!" Leo snapped.
"Sorry!"
Ximena joined the fray, and all three Neutrinos were able to force back several of the droids, pushing back against Krang.
"Viral, do something!" Krang ordered.
"I'm running out of droids!"
The final droid fell, the group turning on Krang. Before he could even react, Stavros had sliced off the arms of his exoframe.
"Your move, Krang," he spat.
Krang scowled, taking a few steps back. "This is not over. You haven't seen the last of me, Hamato Clan!"
"Yeah, yeah, we've been here before," Mikey cut in. "We beat you, you run away, swearing to come back stronger than ever, and we won't see each other for... about a week. And then we'll do the same thing all over again." He rolled his eyes. "Y'know, by this point, Krang, every time you go into one of these megalomaniacal speeches, all I hear is 'chitty-chitty-chat-chat'."
Hisako giggled at that, smiling. Krang just growled before taking off with Viral in tow. Stavros and Tara stopped glowing, Ximena doing the same. She stumbled, Stavros immediately catching her.
"Easy there," he soothed. "Tapping into the Link is a draining process for beginners. You did well to hold the connection as long as you did."
"C'mon," Kagome said. "Let's get you back to your mom."
At TCRI, Ximena was seated as her parents explained everything.
"So..." Ximena began, "All those stories you told me? About the Star Elves and their battles with the evil squid demons... that was…"
"All real," Rachel confirmed. "I wanted you to know your father in some capacity, even if you just thought it was bedtime stories."
"I wanted you to have the chance at being a child, not another drone for the Neutrino army," Stavros added. "I love my homeland... but it is not the place to raise a family... even if it broke my heart to send you away."
"So… now what?" Ximena asked. "I finally have a father, and… and I want to get to know you outside of bedtime stories."
"Perhaps... you can come and visit the Capital sometimes," Stavros offered. "I still want you to stay on Earth, to have as close to a normal childhood as you can."
"I'm sure we can work out some sort of custody agreement," Rachel said. "But in the meantime, I think it would be best if Tara remained with you, Ximena."
"Yeah," Ximena nodded. "Plus, she can teach me about the Neutrino. I want to know more about my heritage and this Link thing."
"We can do a trade," Tara suggested. "I still need to work on how to properly pass as human, as you've seen. I'll teach you all about the Neutrino if you help me improve my social skills. Deal?"
Ximena smiled, holding out a hand. "Deal."
Tara took the hand, shaking it. Ximena smiled at that, then turned to Stavros.
"Thank you… for saving me."
Stavros held out his arms, offering a hug. "I did what any father should do."
Ximena immediately took the offered hug, squeezing him tightly.
"I look forward to getting to know the beautiful young woman you've become," Stavros kissed her forehead, saluted Tara, then disappeared through a portal.
"Another day, another Krang scheme foiled," Mikey noted. "So... who wants Murakami's?"
The ninjas all cheered, heading out of the building.
"What's Murakami's?" Tara asked.
"Let's go find out." Ximena took Tara's hand, pulling her out after the ninjas. Miss Fermi watched her go, smiling as Mortu approached.
"I think she's going to be alright," he noted.
"I do too…" Miss Fermi agreed, wiping her eye. "My little girl is growing up."
Author's Note:
Yep, that's why Tara's on Earth, and who Ximena is. Stavros and Rachel are property of Author of the Insane.
Voice cast for this chapter:
* Stavros- Christopher Sabat (Piccolo, Vegeta, & Yamcha from Dragon Ball, Ayame Sohma from Fruits Basket, Roronoa Zoro from One Piece, Giroro from Sgt. Frog, All-Might from My Hero Academia, Kazuma Kuwabara from Yu Yu Hakusho, Alex Louis Armstrong from Fullmetal Alchemist, Yami Sukehiro from Black Clover, Garland in Dissidia: Final Fantasy, Rundas in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption)
* Rachel- Veronica Taylor (Ash & Delia Ketchum for Pokémon's first eight seasons, Sailor Pluto in Sailor Moon's Viz Media dub, Manuela from Fire Emblem: Three Houses, April O'Neil in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2003, Cosmos in Dissidia: Final Fantasy)
* Zenter- Corey Burton (Captain Hook in Disney's Peter Pan, Yen Sid from Kingdom Hearts II onward, Brainiac in the DCAU, Zeus in the God of War series, Hugo Strange in Batman: Arkham City, Malware from Ben 10: Omniverse)
* Gizzla- Susanne Blakeslee (Wanda & Mrs. Turner from The Fairly OddParents, current voices of Cruella de Vil, the Evil Queen, Lady Tremaine, Maleficent and Madame Leota in Disney media, Gaia in God of War III)
Please R&R. Until next time!